MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present cross-sectional clinico-biochemical study comprised 30 systemically healthy subjects with 15 periodontally healthy and 15 chronic periodontitis subjects who were age and gender matched. GCF and blood samples were collected from all the patients. TRAP estimation was done in both the samples using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The data were analyzed using independent t-test and Pearson correlation test.
RESULTS: Serum and GCF TRAP levels in chronic periodontitis subjects were significantly higher when compared to the periodontally healthy group. There were no significant correlations found among serum and GCF TRAP levels with increasing age and gender in both the groups. An increase in disease severity, i.e., increase in probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level, did not show correlation with the GCF and serum TRAP levels in the chronic periodontitis group.
CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of the present study, increased GCF TRAP levels in chronic periodontitis seem to be a potential marker for identifying ongoing periodontal destruction.